Mental Health Technician - Psychiatric Unit

Job description

Description Mental Health Technician at PeaceHealth Support Services- Eugene, OR Part-Time | .60 FTE | Evening Shift ( 1500-2330 ) Pay: $23.47 - $34.82/hr This position is represented by a collective bargaining agreement. There may be more than one opening on this posting. Why us. Why now. What's in it for you. Tired of being one of dozens moving patients through a system instead of truly connecting? This is your chance to slow down, be present, and make behavioral health care feel human again. Real patient connection: You'll spend meaningful time with patients, not just tasks, helping stabilize, support, and build trust during vulnerable moments. A team that has your back: You'll partner closely with nurses, charge RNs, and behavioral health professionals who value your voice and observations. Purpose-driven work: Every shift, you'll directly impact safety, dignity, and recovery in an inpatient psychiatric setting. Balanced pace: Structured inpatient care allows for deeper engagement versus constant turnover environments. Growing need, real impact: Behavioral health is evolving-and your role is essential to improving outcomes right now. What you'll do (clear, hands-on, meaningful) Spend time observing, interacting, and supporting patients throughout your shift. Help patients with daily routines like meals, hygiene, dressing, and mobility. Take vital signs and collect basic health information. Be present; engage patients, notice changes, and share updates with the care team. Support or participate in group sessions and activities. Assist nurses during high-acuity situations, including patient de-escalation and safety monitoring. Stay with patients requiring close observation, including during seclusion or restraint. Help receive and safely settle patients admitted from EMS or law enforcement (if in ED setting). Keep the unit clean, organized, and ready; including stocking rooms and supplies. Support safe patient transport when needed. Success Matrix: What success looks like in this role Your work shows up in patient outcomes, not just completed tasks. Patients feel safe: You create calm, respectful interactions that reduce agitation and fear. Early intervention happens: You notice subtle behavioral changes and speak up-preventing escalation. Stronger engagement: Patients participate more in care and groups because you build trust. Care team confidence: Nurses rely on your observations to guide clinical decisions. Smoother discharges: Patients leave better supported, with dignity preserved throughout their stay. Qualifications Required: 1 year experience in an acute psychiatric setting or equivalent behavioral health experience OR 20 shifts floating to an inpatient psych unit as a CNA Oregon CNA or Oregon EMT-B certification Basic Life Support (BLS) through American Heart Association or American Red Cross upon hire Preferred: Coursework in psychology or a related field Additional acute care or psychiatric experience Life at PeaceHealth + Life in Springfield, OR At PeaceHealth, we believe care extends beyond the bedside, to our caregivers, our communities, and each other. You'll find a culture grounded in compassion, collaboration, and respect for every individual's story. Why Springfield / Eugene area: Nestled in the Pacific Northwest, with easy acces...